Monday 6 September 2021

Newsletter - 6th September 2021

We hope everyone has had a lovely summer and welcome to our first newsletter of the academic year.

Important Dates 

Saturday 18th September - Long Eaton Carnival, West Park

Wednesday 6th October - Photo Morning

Friday 22nd October - Last Day of Term

Monday 1st November - Start of Term

Saturday 27th November - Christmas Fair

Monday 29th November - Inset Day (pre-school will be closed)

Wednesday 22nd December - Last Day of Term

Thursday 23rd December - Inset Day (pre-school will be closed)

Monday 10th January - Start of Term


What's Happening at Pre-School - w/c 6th September
This coming week at pre-school we will be concentrating on getting your little ones back into their pre-school routine, catching up with friends and hopefully making some new ones too. In subsequent weeks we will issue a weekly email letting you know a little more about what each week holds in store; the activities, letters, shapes, colours, special events etc. We will also make this information available on our website, Facebook page and via your Tapestry account.


Session Availability & Claiming Funding & Invoices - If parents wish to change or amend any of their child's sessions then please get in touch via email and we will try to accommodate your requests.


In order to claim the childcare funding on your behalf parents are required to complete an FE1 Funding Form. If this applies to you a paper form will be sent home and should be completed and returned as soon as possible.


Parents are reminded that www.childcarechoices.gov.uk is an invaluable site and may help parents with their childcare costs or simply confirm which funding they may be eligible to.


A reminder that invoices are issued monthly via email and should be paid in full by the date stipulated, failure to pay promptly may result in your child's place at pre-school being withdrawn.


Any problems or questions please speak to Jayne or Julie as soon as possible, thank you.


Early Drop Off - 8.45am - If you would like to take advantage of being able to drop your child off a little earlier at pre-school at 8.45am then the cost is just £2.35 per day. If you are interested, please email us to confirm availability.


Uniform - Anyone requiring uniform please email your requirements by Friday 10th September so that an order can be placed. Polo shirts are £5.50, sweat shirts are £6.50 (available in ages 2/3, 3/4 & 5/6). Book bags are available at £3.50.


Long Eaton Carnival - Saturday 18th September - Some of the team will be at this year's Long Eaton Carnival with lots of fun and games for your little ones so please pop along to the main showground to say hello! We are in need of a couple of gazebos for the day (pop-up variety preferable) - is anyone able to loan us one for the day? Also, if anyone would like to help the team man the stall then please let us know!


Letting us know.... - It is always really important to let us know what's happening in your child's life; changes to their routine, potty training updates, needing to take medicine while at pre-school, changes to the adults dropping off or collecting, upcoming events/appointments etc. The best way to get that information to us is by email. We do not always have the time or manpower (or memory power) to take in this information at 'dropping-off' time and we do not want to do you a disservice by not giving you the attention that you deserve. So please ANY information that you wish to let us know about just drop it down in an email or even a text and then if we do need to chat with you we will make sure that someone can do just that and give you the time that you deserve.


Policies & Procedures - Please remember that all our policies and procedures are available via our website. These are in the process of being updated and parents are advised to be familiar with them.


'Suggestions Box' - It is important to us that we take into account the views of all our parents and whilst we do not have a 'physical' suggestion box we would encourage you to drop us an email with any ideas, suggestions or simply anything you think we need to know about. 


Tapestry - Our online learning journal, Tapestry, is a fabulous way for parents to be connected with their child's time at pre-school. Not only can you find out about what we get up to while at pre-school but you can also create your own 'observations' to let us know what you have been doing out of pre-school. It is through this two-way communication that we can learn more about your child and make sure that they achieve the best possible outcomes during their time with us. Please take the time to update your child's 'About Me' page and keep an eye out for our weekly 'What's Happening at Pre-School' notification.


Absences - Please remember that all planned absences (holidays, appointments) must be notified to pre-school in advance and must be in writing (email is the best way). If your child is ill please let us know by 9.00am by text or email. We ask that parents read both our 'Absence' and 'Poorly Children' policies. Where we have not been notified about an absence we will attempt to contact parents to establish the reason to ensure the safety and well-being of the child. Please note that if contact has not been made within three working days, children’s services will be contacted for advice and a possible referral.


Privacy Notice - Our Privacy Notice has been updated and we request that parents should read the following https://docs.google.com/document/d/1v6Z6DlLvSTofrGn5R1GyQWCDU9hTJ0YFeV6Sn2IMofM/edit?usp=sharing


General Reminders......

Name Labels - Please ensure that all of your child’s possessions are clearly labelled with their full name.  All bags, including lunch bags, should be labelled on the outside as we have a number of children that have the same style bag and the lack of a name can cause confusion for both child and staff alike!  If items are found unlabelled we will write names on with a black marker pen.


Uniform – All children must wear a red top or jumper whilst at pre-school.  Tops with the pre-school logo are available at reasonable prices, please see Jayne or Julie should you require any items.


Red Book Bags - All children must have a red book bag that should be brought to pre-school each time they attend.


Clothing – It is imperative that children are sent to school in appropriate clothing.  Children should be sent prepared for the weather with appropriate outdoor clothing as we always try to get outside – whatever the weather!  Footwear should enable children to climb and move with confidence; ill-fitting shoes can spoil their fun when pursuing outdoor activities as well as cause unnecessary accidents.  Indoor clothes should enable a child to be as independent as possible, especially when using the toilet when time may be short! So please avoid using tricky belts or dungarees that could hinder a child’s attempts to get to the toilet on time. 


Absence – Absence due to holiday/appointments should be notified in writing/email in advance. Absence due to illness should be notified by text by 9.15am (morning sessions) or 12.15pm (afternoon sessions).  All absences must be confirmed in writing.


Children’s Bags - Your child must bring a small bag/back-pack with at least two sets of spare clothes (including socks!) in case of toileting accidents or messy/wet play; please ensure that the bag is of a size that your child can carry themselves and is clearly labelled on the outside. 


Changes - Please remember to let us know of any changes relevant to your child and their circumstances.  We need to know if your contact details have changed, of any allergies or medical conditions and any other circumstances which may affect your child during their time with us.


Policies & Procedures – pre-school operating policies & procedures are available on our website www.springfieldpreschool.co.uk 


Useful Websites – www.foundationyears.org.uk has been developed specifically for parents of children aged 0 – 5 and provides lots of useful information and advice. For information relating to funding, child benefit and more please visit www.childcarechoices.gov.uk For information regarding Ofsted and their role within Early Years please visit https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/information-for-parents-about-ofsteds-role-in-regulating-childcare you can also contact them on 0300 123 1231 or email enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk  


How to Contact Pre-School

Our phone number is 07960 983423 (Monday to Friday, 8.45am to 3.00pm) or email us at springfieldpreschool@hotmail.co.uk 

You can also check our website www.springfieldpreschool.co.uk and Facebook page for up-to-date information. You can also find us on Twitter and Instagram.

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